EP3581738B1 - Articulated lock with alarm device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a hinged lock. Such a joint lock comprises a lock body which has a locking mechanism and a joint bar bracket which has a plurality of pivot rods connected to one another and a locking bar. A first end of the hinged bar bracket is permanently attached to the lock body. The locking rod forms a free second end of the hinged rod shackle, wherein the locking rod can be locked to the lock body by means of the locking mechanism.

Such a hinged lock is used, for example, to secure a two-wheeler to a bicycle stand, a lamp post or the like, or to secure a two-wheeler against unauthorized driving away. For this purpose, the hinged rods of the hinged bar bracket, which are linked one behind the other or in a row, are unfolded to form an open loop which, for example, is guided around a frame section of the two-wheeler and the bicycle stand, lamp post or the like or is only passed through a rim of the two-wheeler. The locking rod is then locked to the lock body in order to close the loop and thus secure the two-wheeler against unauthorized removal or unauthorized driving away.

For the transport of the hinged lock by the authorized user, the hinged rods and the locking rod can typically be folded together to form a compact arrangement - the so-called folding rule configuration. For this purpose, the hinged rods and the locking rod are pivoted like a foldable folding rule and thereby brought into a parallel alignment with one another.

Such a joint lock is from the document DE102005040066A1 known, the locking mechanism of this articulated lock having a lock cylinder with forced guidance of the bolt. From the document DE102013210475A1 An articulated lock with an automatic function is known in which, by inserting the locking rod into a receiving opening in the lock body, the locking rod (and thus the second end of the articulated rod shackle) can be automatically locked to the lock body by means of the locking mechanism.

When not in use, a hinged lock of the type mentioned can be stored and transported in a storage device (eg bag, quiver or holder), like this one from the DE202005013390U1 is known. For this purpose, the hinged bar bracket is folded into the aforementioned compact folding rule configuration.

In the event of an attempt to manipulate a hinged lock of the type mentioned in order to steal a two-wheeler that is secured in this way, the time required for unauthorized opening of the hinged lock is an important aspect. The less time a thief has, the more difficult it is to attempt a successful manipulation.

It is therefore conceivable to equip the joint lock with an alarm device which emits an acoustic and / or visual alarm signal as soon as an attempt at manipulation is detected. In practice, however, convenient operation of such an alarm device by the authorized user turns out to be difficult, in particular with regard to arming the alarm device (hereinafter referred to as "activating" the alarm device). An alarm device that is sensitive to vibrations, for example, must not be triggered during the transport of the hinged lock, and not every time the two-wheeler is locked Activation of the alarm device is also desired (eg securing the two-wheeler to a bicycle rack of a motor vehicle).

A joint lock with an alarm device according to the preamble of claim 1 is from the document WO 90/12182 A1 known. The documents WO 99/32348 A1 and CN 2 209 200 Y disclose locks with an alarm device, the alarm device being activated or not activated when the lock shackle optionally assumes a first closed position or a second closed position.

It is an object of the invention to specify a hinged lock which, while being easy to use, offers increased security against attempts at manipulation.

This object is achieved by a joint lock with the features of claim 1.

The lock body comprises an alarm device for outputting an alarm signal, wherein the lock rod can be locked either in a first closed position or in a second closed position on the lock body, wherein the alarm device cannot be activated when the lock rod assumes the first closed position, and wherein the alarm device can be activated or is activated when the locking rod assumes the second closed position.

In the case of the articulated lock, the locking rod can optionally be locked in one of two different locking positions on the lock body. The joint lock also includes an alarm device which, in the event of a detected attempt at manipulation, emits an alarm signal, for example an acoustic alarm. With regard to the activation or arming of the alarm device, a first closed position of the locking rod forms a disarmed closed position, and a second The closed position of the locking rod forms the arming-closed position. In the first closed position, the lock rod can be locked to the lock body in order to secure the two-wheeler against unauthorized removal or unauthorized driving away; however, in the first closed position, the alarm device cannot be activated at the same time, in particular not even inadvertently. In the second closed position, on the other hand, the lock rod can be locked on the lock body, and the alarm device can also be activated (or this happens automatically, as will be explained below). Thus, by selecting the closed position of the locking rod, the authorized user can determine whether or not the alarm device should be activated or activated. This results in a comfortable and, in particular, also fail-safe operation of the hinged lock.

The lock body has a latching device which is designed to hold the lock rod in a force-locking manner in the first closed position and / or in the second closed position.

The articulated lock increases security against attempts at manipulation by providing an alarm device in addition to a locking function. The alarm device can be activated directly or indirectly via the locking rod. The two locking positions mentioned can be selected in a simple manner, for example, by simply moving the locking rod during the securing process of the two-wheeler. Equipping the hinged lock with an alarm device helps protect against possible attempts at manipulation. The acoustic and / or optical alarm signal effectively shortens the time for a manipulation attempt, since a thief must expect the user to arrive soon or the intervention of passers-by or security personnel who were made aware of the attempted manipulation by the alarm signal. As mentioned above, the time factor is crucial to prevent a successful theft or at least to make it very difficult. It has also been shown that knowledge of the presence of an alarm device alone has a deterrent effect on possible thieves. The two-stage and easy-to-use activation of the alarm device also takes into account situations in which the triggering of an alarm signal is not desired, but the two-wheeler should nevertheless be comprehensively secured, such as during transport on a motor vehicle bicycle rack.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the description and the drawing.

According to one embodiment, the alarm device can be activated by bringing the locking rod into the second locking position. The alarm device can thus be automatically armed for the user in a particularly simple and convenient manner, with only one detector being required to detect the second closed position.

As an alternative to this, the alarm device can be activated by bringing the locking rod into the second closed position and furthermore bringing the locking mechanism into a locking position in which the locking mechanism locks the locking rod on the lock body. In this embodiment it is therefore necessary for activating the alarm device that the locking rod assumes the second locking position and that the locking rod is additionally locked in the second locking position on the lock body. A detection of whether the locking rod is in the second closed position can be carried out, for example, by means of an associated first detector. A detection of whether the locking mechanism is in the locking position can be carried out by means of a second detector; For example, an actuating element can be provided on a movable element of the locking mechanism (for example locking element or driver) which is in the locking position actuated a contact switch. The signals from the two detectors can be fed to a logical AND operation in order to activate the alarm device when the second closed position of the locking rod and the locked position of the locking mechanism are detected. In this embodiment, the waiting interval can be shortened which must elapse before a monitoring operation of the alarm device begins, so that the authorized user can properly end the locking process.

According to a further alternative, it is also possible that the alarm device can be activated in that the locking rod is brought into the second closed position and that an additional switching device is actuated. A detection of whether the locking rod is in the second closed position can in turn take place by means of an assigned detector (e.g. contact switch). The mentioned additional switching device can be an externally operable switching device, in particular an externally operable switch arranged on the lock body (e.g. slide switch, rocker switch, push button, etc.). Said additional switching device can, however, also comprise a switching device which can be operated wirelessly from the outside and which, for example, has a radio receiver unit and is controlled by means of a dedicated radio remote control unit assigned to the hinged lock or by means of a mobile phone (e.g. via Bluetooth, NFC, WLAN). In this embodiment, too, the signals of the closed position detector and the additional switching device can be fed to a logical AND link in order to activate the alarm device if necessary.

According to one embodiment, the signal from the detector, which detects the second closed position of the locking rod, can be used to activate the alarm device immediately. Or the signal from the detector is first evaluated and / or logically linked by an evaluation and control circuit of the alarm device.

As far as the mentioned detector for detecting the second closed position of the locking rod is concerned, it can be designed, for example, for contactless detection of the locking rod, for example in the form of a Hall sensor or a reed switch.

According to an advantageously simple embodiment, the lock body can have a switch which is actuated directly or indirectly by means of the lock rod when the lock rod is brought into the second closed position. This can be done, for example, via a contact switch that enables direct (mechanical) actuation of the switch by means of the locking rod. The switch can in particular be actuated by means of the tip of the locking rod.

According to one embodiment, the lock body can have an insertion channel for inserting the lock rod into the lock body, said switch being arranged in the lock body outside of the insertion channel and outside an axial extension of the insertion channel, and wherein the lock body has a transmission element via which the switch can be operated indirectly by means of the locking rod. Thus, the switch for detecting the second closed position of the locking rod can be arranged away from the insertion channel for the locking rod and in particular outside the alignment of the insertion channel for the locking rod. This protects the switch from contamination that could get into the interior of the lock body via the insertion channel. Furthermore, this protects the switch from damage or manipulation from the outside. Said transmission element, for example a pivotable element and / or translationally movable element, ensures that an actuation is transmitted by the locking rod to the switch. The transmission element can be pretensioned in the direction of an OFF position of the switch, for example by means of a compression spring.

Advantageously, the second closed position of the lock rod with respect to a direction of insertion of the lock rod into the lock body is located deeper in the lock body than the first closed position. In other words, in this embodiment, the locking rod is first brought into the first closed position, which can also be referred to as the unset closed position. Only when the locking rod is moved beyond the first locking position can the locking rod reach the second locking position, which can also be referred to as the arming / locking position. This makes the two-stage operation of the locking rod for selecting the desired state of the alarm device clear to the user in a particularly clear manner.

According to an alternative embodiment, however, it is also possible for this sequence of the first closed position and the second closed position to be interchanged with respect to the direction of insertion. According to a further alternative embodiment, it is also possible that two different receiving openings are provided for inserting the locking rod into the lock body, for example lying next to each other or on opposite sides of the lock body, the locking rod assuming the first closed position when the locking rod passes through the one receiving opening has been inserted into the lock body, and wherein the locking rod assumes the second locking position when the locking rod has been inserted through the other receiving opening in the lock body.

• eine elektrische Energiequelle zur Energieversorgung von weiteren Komponenten der Alarmeinrichtung,
• einen Beschleunigungssensor,
• eine Auswerte- und Steuerschaltung,
• einen akustischen und/oder optischen Signalgeber, und/oder
• eine Funksendeeinheit zum drahtlosen Aussenden eines Alarmsignals.

According to one embodiment, the alarm device comprises at least one (preferably several or all) of the following components:

• an electrical energy source for supplying energy to other components of the alarm device,
• an accelerometer,
• an evaluation and control circuit,
• an acoustic and / or optical signal generator, and / or
• a radio transmission unit for wireless transmission of an alarm signal.

Here, the energy source can comprise one or more commercially available battery (s) and / or an electrical accumulator. If a rechargeable battery is provided, the joint lock on the lock body can also have a power supply connection in order to be able to charge the battery via this.

As far as the acceleration sensor is concerned, it can be designed as a static acceleration sensor or a dynamic acceleration sensor, wherein the static acceleration sensor can be designed as an inclination sensor to detect an alignment and / or change in position and the dynamic acceleration sensor can be used to detect a shock.

The evaluation and control circuit can, for example, evaluate the signal of the said detector for detecting the second closed position of the locking rod and, if necessary, the respective signal of further detectors or switches. Furthermore, the evaluation and control circuit can also evaluate the signal of the acceleration sensor mentioned in order to trigger the output of an alarm signal in particular when a change in position or vibration is detected during a monitoring operation.

The acoustic and / or optical signal transmitter can for example comprise a loudspeaker, in particular a piezo loudspeaker, and / or a light-emitting diode.

As an alternative or in addition to the output of an acoustic or optical alarm signal, the hinged lock can have a radio transmission unit for wireless transmission of an alarm signal, in particular to a radio reception unit of the authorized user. With such a radio receiving unit it can be a separate device assigned to the joint lock (for example the radio remote control unit already mentioned), or a mobile phone. The signal transmission can take place in accordance with a common standard (e.g. Bluetooth, WLAN, GSM).

According to one embodiment, the lock body has a housing with a storage chamber for the alarm device, the storage chamber having an alarm device mounting opening, and the locking rod at least partially blocking the alarm device mounting opening when the locking rod assumes the second closed position. At least one component of the alarm device (preferably the entire alarm device) can be inserted into the storage compartment through the alarm device installation opening, for example when manufacturing the hinged lock or for replacing the battery (s). Since the locking rod is typically made of a particularly robust material, the locking rod can thus be used in a particularly simple manner to protect the alarm device in the storage chamber from outside manipulation in the second closed position, i.e. when the alarm device can be activated or activated .

In this embodiment, the lock body can furthermore have a securing element which can be moved into a securing position by means of the locking rod when the locking rod is brought into the second closed position, the securing element at least partially blocking the alarm device installation opening in the securing position. In other words, the security element can be used in addition to the locking rod to protect the alarm device in the storage chamber against manipulation from the outside. For this purpose, the securing element can, for example, partially engage in an opening (eg recess) in a housing of the lock body and partially cover the alarm device installation opening. The securing element can be formed, for example, by a securing pin or a securing plate.

The securing element can in particular be moved into the securing position by means of the tip of the locking rod.

According to a further embodiment, the lock body can have a sound outlet opening on at least two different sides, which communicates with the acoustic signal transmitter of the alarm device via a respective sound guide channel. With several sound outlet openings on two or more sides of the lock body, for example two, three or four sound outlet openings, it can be prevented or at least made more difficult that, in the event of a detected attempt at manipulation, the output of the acoustic alarm signal is suppressed by keeping a single sound outlet opening closed.

In this embodiment it is preferred if the acoustic signal generator is arranged outside the alignment of the respective sound guide channel. In other words, the acoustic signal transmitter in this embodiment is not in the extension of the respective sound guide channel, but is offset laterally so that the acoustic signal transmitter is not easily accessible from the outside and could be damaged, for example by inserting a pointed tool through the respective sound outlet opening.

According to one embodiment, the evaluation and control circuit is designed to initially allow a waiting interval and then a calibration interval to elapse for activating the alarm device before the evaluation and control circuit goes into monitoring mode. Furthermore, the evaluation and control circuit is designed to detect a position of the hinged lock by means of the acceleration sensor during the calibration interval and to store this, the evaluation and control circuit also being designed to repeat a current position detected by the acceleration sensor during the monitoring operation of the joint lock to compare with the stored position and to trigger an alarm signal when the comparison results in a predetermined minimum deviation. The waiting interval allows the authorized user to end the locking process without triggering an alarm signal.

In particular, a waiting interval is also preferably taken into account for the triggering of the alarm signal so that the authorized user has enough time to grasp and unlock the lock in order to thereby deactivate the alarm device. Alternatively, only an acoustic and / or optical pre-alarm signal can initially be output before the alarm signal is triggered after the waiting interval has elapsed.

To activate the alarm device, the evaluation and control circuit can also check whether the locking rod is in the second closed position for a predetermined minimum duration. In this way, it can be prevented that even an inadvertent brief movement of the locking rod into the second locking position inadvertently leads to activation of the alarm device.

The evaluation and control circuit is advantageously designed to deactivate the alarm device when the locking rod leaves the second locking position. This assumes that the locking rod has first been unlocked, i.e. the locking mechanism must be in an unlocked position. Leaving the second closed position can be detected by means of the same detector that also detects the assumption of the second closed position for activating the alarm device.

According to one embodiment, the lock body comprises a common housing for the locking mechanism and the alarm device, the common housing having a first chamber for the locking mechanism and a second chamber, which is separate from the first chamber, for the alarm device. This separation makes possible attempts at manipulation and thus increases the security of the alarm device. The second chamber can in particular be the aforementioned storage chamber for the alarm device.

In this embodiment, the common housing can be formed by a single cast part, for example made of hardened cast steel.

It is also advantageous if the second chamber for the alarm device is arranged on the side of the first chamber facing away from the hinged bar bracket. As a result, the first chamber with the locking mechanism located therein is protected in the lateral direction by the hinged bar bracket on the one hand and the second chamber on the other.

In addition, it is preferred if the first chamber (for the locking mechanism) with the exception of a locking mechanism mounting opening, a key insertion opening (for inserting a key), an optional entry opening for inserting the locking rod (if a separate opening is provided for this), an optional passage opening is closed for the passage of the locking rod into the second chamber (if a separate opening is provided for this) and optional fixing openings for inserting fixing elements (eg fixing pins) for fixing the locking mechanism. In particular, an at least substantially closed partition can be provided between the first chamber (for the locking mechanism) and the second chamber (for the alarm device). Through the locking mechanism mounting opening, the locking mechanism can be inserted into the first chamber during manufacture of the hinged lock. In this embodiment, the locking rod can at least partially block the locking mechanism mounting opening when the locking rod assumes the first closed position or the second closed position. Since the locking rod is typically made of a particularly robust material, the locking rod can can thus be used in a particularly simple manner to protect the locking mechanism in the first chamber against manipulation from the outside, while the locking rod is locked on the lock body.

According to one embodiment, the latching device can have an elevation and a depression which are provided on a section of the lock body and on the locking rod and interact in an elastically engaging manner. In particular, the latching device can comprise an elastic section of a housing or a housing shell of the lock body, which interacts in a latching manner with a mating section of the lock rod. The housing shell can consist of silicone, for example.

According to one embodiment, the hinged bar bracket can be folded up into a folding rule configuration in which the hinged bars and the locking bar run parallel to one another. This enables the articulated lock to be transported in a space-saving manner. In this case, the hinged bar bracket can preferably be brought into the folding rule configuration when the locking bar assumes the first closed position. As an alternative or in addition to this, the hinged bar bracket can be brought into the folding rule configuration when the locking bar assumes an unlocked transport position (ie when the locking bar is not locked to the lock body). Furthermore, it is preferred if the hinged bar bracket cannot, however, be brought into the folding rule configuration when the locking bar assumes the second closed position. This is a particularly simple and effective way of preventing the user from transporting the hinged lock in the folded state (for example in the aforementioned pocket, quiver or holder) and from accidentally activating the alarm device, which is due to the changes in position and vibrations during transport or operation. the ride with the two-wheeler would lead to an undesired output of an alarm signal. A related operating error is prevented by the fact that on the one hand the alarm device is only in the second The closed position of the locking rod can be activated and, on the other hand, in this second closed position the hinged rod bracket cannot be brought into the folding rule configuration, which, however, is a prerequisite for storage in a conventional bag.

In order to enable a compact arrangement of the hinged lock, the longitudinal axes of the hinged bars and the locking bar can run parallel to one another in a plane in the folding rule configuration of the hinged bar bracket. Furthermore, the lock body can extend along a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis of the lock body extending within a plane that is spanned by the longitudinal axes of the joint bars and the locking bar in the folding rule configuration of the hinged bar bracket. Furthermore, in the inch stock configuration of the hinged bar bracket, the lock body can be arranged within a plane of extent of the hinged bar bracket, so that the lock body and the hinged bar bracket together form a flat package.

In an advantageous embodiment, the lock body has at least one receiving opening into which the locking rod protrudes in the first closed position and in the second closed position. In this case, the locking rod can preferably be inserted axially into the receiving opening of the lock body with respect to its longitudinal axis, with a delimitation of the receiving opening circumferentially surrounding the locking rod.

For locking the locking rod to the lock body, it is preferred if the locking rod of the hinged bar bracket has a locking section and the locking mechanism of the lock body has a bolt which - when the locking rod assumes the first closed position or the second closed position - can be brought into engagement with the locking section of the locking rod is to lock the lock rod to the lock body. The locking portion can be designed as a recess (in particular a blind hole), through hole or lateral recess.

Furthermore, the locking mechanism can have a lock cylinder and a driver which can be driven to a rotary movement by a rotary actuation of the lock cylinder in order to effect a locking movement and / or an unlocking movement of the bolt.

In this embodiment, the locking mechanism can in particular also have a conversion device that converts a rotary movement of the driver of the lock cylinder into a linear movement of the bolt, the conversion device, for example, having an inclined surface on the driver and an inclined surface on the bolt, which interact with one another .

According to one embodiment, the bolt can be moved in both directions (locking and unlocking) by actuating the lock cylinder accordingly. As an alternative to this, an automatic function can be provided, wherein the locking rod can be automatically locked in the first locking position and / or the second locking position on the lock body by being inserted into the receiving opening of the lock body. In this case, the locking mechanism preferably comprises a pretensioning device which pretensions the bolt into the locking position, the bolt being temporarily movable against the pretensioning from the locking position into an unlocking position due to incomplete insertion of the locking rod into the receiving opening of the lock body, and the pretensioning device for this purpose is adapted to move the bolt back into the locking position when the locking rod is inserted into the receiving opening up to the first locking position and / or the second locking position.

Fig. 1

zeigt in schematischer Darstellung ein Gelenkschloss in einer ersten Schließstellung des Schließstabs.

Fig. 2

zeigt in schematischer Darstellung ein Gelenkschloss in einer zweiten Schließstellung des Schließstabs.

One possible embodiment of the invention is explained below by way of example only with reference to the drawings. Identical or similar elements are identified therein with the same reference symbols.

Fig. 1

shows a schematic representation of a joint lock in a first closed position of the locking rod.

Fig. 2

shows a schematic representation of a joint lock in a second closed position of the locking rod.

This in Fig. 1 The hinged lock shown comprises a lock body 10 and a hinged bar bracket 40. The lock body 10 has a housing 20. The housing 20 forms a first chamber 21 for a locking mechanism 60 and a separate second chamber 22 for an alarm device 80. The first chamber 21 is accessible via a locking mechanism mounting opening 31, and the second chamber 22 is accessible via an alarm device mounting opening 32 . A passage opening 23 is provided between the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22. The alarm device mounting opening 32 is closed by means of a chamber cover 34, but the chamber cover 34 can also be part of a removable inner housing (not shown) which fixes the various components of the alarm device 80 relative to one another. The housing 20 also has a receiving opening 24, a key insertion opening 26 and a support recess 28. The housing 20 is provided in some areas with an elastic housing sleeve 36 which covers the locking mechanism mounting opening 31 and there has a latching lug 38 pointing in the direction of the locking mechanism 60.

The hinged bar bracket 40 has a first end 41 which is permanently attached to the lock body 10, and a free second end 42 which can be optionally locked to the lock body 10. The joint bar bracket 40 takes in the in Fig. 1 a so-called folding rule configuration. In the unlocked state of the joint lock, the joint bar bracket 40 can be unfolded from the rule configuration shown to form an open loop that can be placed around parts of a two-wheeler or other object. The free second end 42 of the hinged bar bracket 40 can then be inserted into the receiving opening 24 of the housing 20 and locked therein on the lock body 10 by means of the locking mechanism 60. As a result, the loop formed is closed and the two-wheeler is locked or secured to the object in question (eg bicycle stand).

The hinged bar bracket 40 comprises a plurality of hinged bars 44 and (at the free second end 42) a closing bar 46. The hinge bars 44 and the closing bar 46 are each flat. The joint rods 44 and the locking rod 46 are linked to one another in sequence in such a way that their joint axes 48 run parallel or coaxially to one another. As a result, the hinged bar bracket 40 can be folded together in the shown folding rule configuration to form a compact unit in which the hinged bars 44 and the locking bar 46 run in a plane parallel to one another. The locking rod 46 has a first locking recess 51 and a second locking recess 52 near its tip on the side facing the locking mechanism 60. Between the first locking recess 51 and the second locking recess 52, specifically on the side facing away from the locking mechanism 60, the locking rod 46 has a latching recess 54. In addition, the locking rod 46 also has a latching shoulder 56.

The locking mechanism 60 located in the first chamber 21 of the housing 20 comprises a lock cylinder 62, accessible via the key insertion opening 26, into which a key 64 can be inserted in order to operate the lock cylinder 62 by rotating the cylinder core and thereby a bolt coupled to the lock cylinder 62 66 to move in a straight line between a locking position and an unlocking position.

The alarm device 80 located in the second chamber 22 of the housing 20 comprises an electrical energy source 82 in the form of a battery for energy supply, an acceleration sensor 84, an evaluation and control circuit 86 and an acoustic signal transmitter 88 in the form of a piezo loudspeaker. The alarm device 80 further comprises a switch 92 which can be actuated via a transmission element 90 and which is connected to the evaluation and control circuit 86 for signaling purposes. The switch 92 is in the embodiment shown here formed by a contact switch responsive to mechanical contact. A securing element 94 and a compression spring 96 for pretensioning the transmission element 90 are also assigned to the transmission element 90.

In the in Fig. 1 In the state shown, the joint lock is locked, the locking rod 46 being only partially inserted into the receiving opening 24 of the housing 20. In this position, the locking rod 46 is in a first closed position (disarmed closed position). By means of the key 64 inserted through the key insertion opening 26, the lock cylinder 62 can be rotatably actuated in order to lock the bolt 66 into the position shown in FIG Fig. 1 To bring the locking position shown, in which the bolt 66 engages in the first locking recess 51 of the locking rod 46 and thereby locks the locking rod 46 on the lock body 10. By rotating the lock cylinder 62 in the opposite direction, the bolt 66 can be moved back into an unlocking position in which the bolt 66 releases the locking rod 46 for removal from the receiving opening 24 of the housing 20. In the first closed position of the lock rod 46, the lock rod 46 covers the locking mechanism mounting opening 31.

So that the user can easily feel the first closed position of the locking rod 46 when inserting the locking rod 46 into the receiving opening 24, the latching lug 38 of the elastic housing cover 36 is arranged in such a way that the latching lug 38 engages in the latching recess 54 of the locking rod 46 as soon as the locking rod 46 occupies the first closed position. In the unlocked state, the locking rod 46 is held in the first closed position by the locking connection between the locking lug 38 and the locking recess 54, which makes it easier to handle when locking and unlocking.

The first closed position of the closing rod 46 according to FIG Fig. 1 at the same time forms a transport position of the hinged bar bracket 40 for transporting the hinged lock. In the transport position, the articulated lock can comfortably be in a Storage device (for example bag, quiver or holder) can be kept and carried, which surrounds the hinged bar bracket 40 which is compactly folded in the folding rule configuration.

In the in Fig. 1 The alarm device 80 cannot be activated as shown in the first closed position of the locking rod 46. This is only possible in a second closed position of the closing rod 46 and can in particular take place automatically in the exemplary embodiment shown, as is shown below with reference to FIG Fig. 2 is explained.

Fig. 2 shows in one of the Fig. 1 According to the illustration, the joint lock in a state in which the locking rod 46 is completely inserted into the receiving opening 24 of the lock body 10. In this position, the locking rod 46 is in the second closed position (arming-closed position), the tip of the locking rod 46 being guided through the passage opening 23 between the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 of the housing 20 and thus into the second chamber 22 protrudes. However, this complete insertion movement of the locking rod 46 into the receiving opening 24 is only possible if the hinged rod bracket 40 has the folding rule configuration Fig. 1 leaves. In Fig. 2 this can be seen from the fact that the four central joint rods 44 rest in an oblique orientation on the lock body 10, ie with respect to the representation according to FIG Fig. 2 the four central pivot rods 44 are pivoted out of the plane of the paper. The articulated lock is locked in the second closed position in an analogous manner to the first closed position, whereby by actuating the lock cylinder 62 the bolt 66 is brought into the locking position in which the bolt 66 engages in the second locking recess 52 of the lock rod 46 and the lock rod 46 thereby locked on the lock body 10.

In the second closed position of the locking rod 46, the alarm device 80 is activated by means of the locking rod 46, which allows the alarm device 80 to be armed automatically in a simple manner. To detect the second closed position of the locking rod 46, the read-out and control circuit 86 is connected to the switch 92, which is actuated indirectly via the transmission element 90 through the tip of the locking rod 46 as soon as the locking rod 46 is brought into the second closed position. Through the interposition of the transmission element 90, which is designed, for example, as a linearly movable, laterally cantilevered actuating arm, the switch 92 can be arranged outside the alignment of the receiving opening 24 of the lock body 10, whereby the switch 92 can be better protected against soiling, damage or manipulation .

The securing element 94, which in the exemplary embodiment shown here is pin-shaped and which is surrounded by the compression spring 96, is connected to the movable transmission element 90. In the second closed position of the locking rod 46, the securing element 94 together with the transmission element 90 is moved against the bias of the compression spring 96 into a securing position in which the securing element 94 engages in the support recess 28 of the housing 20. In the second closed position of the closing rod 46 according to FIG Fig. 2 the locking rod 46 and the securing element 94 each partially block the alarm device installation opening 32 of the housing 20 in order to protect the alarm device 80 against manipulation from the outside, the securing element 94 being supported in the support recess 28 of the housing 20.

In the second closed position of the closing rod 46 according to FIG Fig. 2 The latching lug 38 of the elastic housing cover 36 engages behind the latching shoulder 56 of the locking rod 46, so that a latching connection is in turn formed, which ensures that the locking rod 46 does not slide out unintentionally, even in the unlocked state.

After the joint lock has been brought into the second closed position and the switch 92 has been actuated by the locking rod 46 via the transmission element 90, the evaluation and control circuit 86 first allows a waiting interval and then a calibration interval to elapse before it goes into monitoring mode. During the calibration interval, the position of the joint lock (orientation relative to gravity) is recorded and stored by means of the acceleration sensor 84 which is sensitive to inclination and vibration. In the subsequent monitoring operation, the evaluation and control circuit 86 then repeatedly compares a current position of the joint lock detected by the acceleration sensor 84 with the stored position and triggers an alarm signal if the comparison exceeds a predetermined minimum deviation. The waiting interval enables the user to end the locking process without triggering an alarm signal.

The acoustic alarm signal generated by the acoustic signal generator 88 in the event of an alarm event is routed between the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 of the housing 20 and can leave the housing 20 via several sound outlet openings (not shown) on different sides of the housing 20. Since the acoustic signal transmitter 88 is hidden in the interior of the lock body 10 as a result of this construction, it cannot itself be manipulated, which further increases the security of the alarm device 80.

The output of such an alarm signal can only be stopped by the authorized user. To do this, it is necessary to first unlock the lock rod 46 by actuating the lock cylinder 62 using the key 64 and then pull the lock rod 46 a little out of the lock body 10, whereby the transmission element 90 pretensioned by the compression spring 96 loses contact with the switch 92 (OFF Position of the switch 92) and the readout and control circuit 86 prevents the output of the alarm signal. The Alarm device 80 can accordingly only be deactivated in the unlocked state of lock cylinder 62. In this state, the hinged rod bracket 40 can be brought back into the folding rule configuration for transport, and the locking rod 46 can be locked in the first closed position for transport.

List of reference symbols

10

Lock body

20th

casing

21

first chamber

22nd

second chamber

23

Passage opening

24

Receiving opening

26th

Key insertion opening

28

Support recess

31

Lock mechanism mounting hole

32

Alarm device mounting opening

34

Chamber lid

36

Housing shell

38

Locking lug

40

Articulated bar bracket

41

first end of the hinged bar bracket

42

second end of the hinged bar bracket

44

Articulated rod

46

Locking bar

48

Joint axis

51

first locking recess

52

second locking recess

54

Locking recess

56

Locking heel

60

Locking mechanism

62

Lock cylinder

64

key

66

bars

80

Alarm device

82

electrical energy source

84

Accelerometer

86

Readout and control circuit

88

acoustic signal generator

90

Transmission element

92

counter

94

Fuse element

96

Compression spring

Claims (13)

1. A folding lock comprising a lock body (10) which has a latching mechanism (60); and a jointed bar hoop (40) which has a plurality of jointed bars (44) pivotably connected to one another and a closing bar (46), wherein a first end (41) of the jointed bar hoop (40) is permanently fastened to the lock body (10) and the closing bar (46) forms a free second end (42) of the jointed bar hoop (40), wherein the closing bar (46) is latchable to the lock body (10) by means of the latching mechanism (60),
   wherein the lock body (10) furthermore comprises an alarm device (80) for outputting an alarm signal, wherein the closing bar (46) is latchable to the lock body (10) in a closing position, and wherein the alarm device (80) is activated when the closing bar (46) adopts the closing position, characterized in that
   the closing bar (46) is selectively latchable to the lock body (10) in a first closing position or in a second closing position, with the alarm device (80) not being able to be activated when the closing bar (46) adopts the first closing position, and with the alarm device (80) being able to be activated or being activated when the closing bar (46) adopts the second closing position,
   wherein the lock body (10) has a latch device (38, 54, 56) which is configured to hold the closing bar (46) in a force fit in the first closing position and/or in the second closing position.
2. A folding lock in accordance with claim 1,
   wherein the latch device has an elevated portion and a recess which are provided at a section of the lock body (10) and at the closing bar (46) and cooperate in an elastically engaging manner.
3. A folding lock in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2,
   wherein the latch device comprises an elastic section (38) of a housing or of a housing sleeve (36) of the lock body (10) which latchingly cooperates with a counter-section (54, 56) of the closing bar (46).
4. A folding lock in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the alarm device (80) can be activated in that the closing bar (46) is brought into the second closing position or in that the closing bar (46) is brought into the second closing position and the latching mechanism (60) is brought into a latching position.
5. A folding lock in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the lock body (10) has a switch (92) which is actuable by means of the closing bar (46) by bringing the closing bar (46) into the second closing position.
6. A folding lock in accordance with claim 5,
   wherein the lock body (10) has an introduction passage for an introduction of the closing bar (46) into the lock body (10); wherein the switch (92) is arranged in the lock body outside the introduction passage and outside an axial prolongation of the introduction passage; and wherein the lock body (10) has a transmission element (90) via which the switch (92) is indirectly actuable by means of the closing bar (46).
7. A folding lock in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the second closing position of the closing bar (46) is disposed deeper in the lock body (10) than the first closing position with respect to an introduction direction of the closing bar (46) into the lock body (10).
8. A folding lock in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the alarm device (80) has at least one of the following components:

   - an electrical energy source (82) for the energy supply of further components of the alarm device (80);

   - an accelerometer (84);

   - an evaluation and control circuit (86);

   - an acoustic and/or optical signal generator (88); and/or

   - a radio transmission unit for the wireless transmission of an alarm signal.
9. A folding lock in accordance with claim 8,
   wherein the lock body (10) has a sound exit opening at at least two different sides which communicates with the acoustic signal generator (88) via a respective sound guidance channel; and
   wherein the acoustic signal generator (88) is preferably arranged outside the alignment of the respective sound guidance channel.
10. A folding lock in accordance with claim 8 or claim 9,
    wherein the evaluation and control circuit (86) is configured first to allow a waiting interval and then a calibration interval to elapse for the activation of the alarm device (80) before the evaluation and control circuit (86) transitions into monitoring operation; wherein the evaluation and control circuit (86) is furthermore configured to detect a position of the folding lock by means of the accelerometer (84) during the calibration interval and to store said position; and wherein the evaluation and control circuit (86) is configured to compare a current position of the folding lock detected by means of the accelerometer (84) with the stored position several times during monitoring operation and to trigger an alarm signal when the comparison shows a predefined minimum deviation;
    wherein the evaluation and control circuit (86) is preferably configured to deactivate the alarm device (80) when the closing bar (46) departs the second closing position.
11. A folding lock in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock body (10) comprises a common housing (20) for the latching mechanism (60) and the alarm device (80), with the common housing (20) having a first chamber (21) for the latching mechanism (60) and a second chamber (22) separate from the first chamber (21) for the alarm device (80).
12. A folding lock in accordance with claim 11,
    wherein the common housing (20) is formed by a single casting; and/or
    wherein the second chamber (22) for the alarm device (80) is arranged at the side of the first chamber (21) remote from the jointed bar hoop (40); and/or
    wherein the first chamber (21) is closed with the exception of a latching mechanism installation opening (31), a key introduction opening (26), an optional inlet opening (24) for introducing the closing bar (46), an optional passage opening (23) for passing the closing bar (46) into the second chamber (22) and optional fixing openings for inserting fixing elements for the latching mechanism (60); wherein the latching mechanism (60) can be inserted into the first chamber (21) through the latching mechanism installation opening (31); and wherein the closing bar (46) at least partly blocks the latching mechanism installation opening (31) when the closing bar (46) adopts the first closing position or the second closing position.
13. A folding lock in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the jointed bar hoop (40) is foldable into a yardstick configuration in which the jointed bars (44) and the closing bar (46) extend in parallel with one another; wherein the jointed bar hoop (40) can be brought into the yardstick configuration when the closing bar (46) adopts the first closing position and/or when the closing bar (46) adopts an unlatched transport position; and wherein the jointed bar hoop (40) cannot be brought into the yardstick configuration when the closing bar (46) adopts the second closing position.

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